Statistically, men are more likely to binge drink, go on benders, and become addicted to alcohol. However, women absorb larger amounts of alcohol and take longer to digest it and remove it from their system. As a result, there are higher potential risks between women and drinking.
For this reason, a women’s alcohol addiction treatment program targets the issues surrounding women and drinking. Many of these issues are related to long-term health problems, emotional trauma, pregnancy, and family relationships. Simply put, when women drink excessively, they can expect to have a variety of problems. If you’re battling an alcohol addiction, contact Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554 to learn about your treatment options.
Social Drinking
The emergence of the wine mom culture and the need to take a break from job and family stress have caused increased social drinking among women. Mid-week get-togethers, Friday night parties, and frequent brunches have all attracted more women to alcohol, increasing the risk of excessive drinking.
Frequent use of alcohol can quickly turn into binge drinking and alcohol use disorder. A woman who drinks often may refuse to believe that she has a problem due to the widespread social acceptance of alcohol with women of all ages. Yet addiction affects women as much as it does men. For this reason, a woman who suffers from addiction should consider seeking a substance abuse treatment program for alcohol addiction.
Sex, Pregnancy, and Fertility
Women who binge drink regularly are more likely to put themselves in dangerous or risky situations. Excessive drinking can lead to unprotected sex or multiple sex partners. Consequently, this can cause an unwanted pregnancy. Women who drink too much also are at risk of becoming infertile.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to disruptions in the menstrual cycle and complications with pregnancy. In the most severe cases of an alcohol use disorder, drinking can lead to premature addiction in children at birth. A child may have to go through a detox period to help stabilize them once it is born.
Liver Problems
For women and drinking, one of the organs that are most affected by high alcohol intake is the liver. Heavy drinkers risk a wide range of problems, including:
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
- Cirrhosis
- Jaundice
- Liver poisoning
The liver breaks down and filters out toxic substances from the bloodstream. It also manufactures hormones, enzymes, and proteins. The liver is responsible for converting nutrients into substances that the body can use. Too much alcohol can damage the liver and impair its ability to function properly. Once the liver breaks down, the body breaks down in several areas.
Impaired Brain Function
The damage that alcohol can do to the brain includes physical, cognitive, and psychological destruction, culminating in multiple problems. Initially, binge drinking can lead to blackouts and lapses in memory. The long-term effects of binge drinking can cause the following issues and the need for a mental health treatment program:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Lack of concentration
- Psychosis
- Disruption in brain cell growth
Alcohol addiction can also lead to brain shrinkage in women, making women particularly vulnerable to the effects of drinking. Many of the issues surrounding women and drinking are psychological issues that require help from a dual diagnosis treatment program. An alcohol treatment specialist can diagnose both the addiction and the mental disorder so that the client can recover from both conditions.
Learn More About Women and Drinking at Women’s Recovery
If you would like to learn more about women and drinking, then contact Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554. Our women’s treatment program in CO includes comprehensive treatment services, including:
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Sober living services
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Aftercare
You can get the help you need to overcome your addiction to drugs or alcohol. Call us today to find out more about your treatment options. We are here to help you get on the path to recovery.
